A few years ago, I found some interesting background data for a professional development project I was working on–when elementary teachers were asked to name a specific science area that they would find difficult to teach, more than 60% mentioned physical science. And yet this is an area in which students can have a high interest level: electricity, heat, magnetism, chemical reactions, optics, or sound. If your resolution is to do a better job with physical science content, consider the articles in this December issue. Even if you teach at an upper grade level, these activities can be appropriate for students who do not have a strong background in physical science, especially in electricity and light. I really appreciate that the authors included photos of their students doing the activities and samples of their work.
This issue has links to SciLinks resources on Electricity and Light at the K-4 level. However, you’ll find a larger collection of resources if you go directly to SciLinks and use the keywords electricity and light for grades 5-8. Many of these would also be appropriate for younger students, and they also can give you some background information on the topics. I really like the activities offered by the Exploratorium Museum.
I was really intrigued by the possibilities of Shoe Box Circuits as a way for students to demonstrate their understanding of circuits. I shared this with a middle school teacher who is going to try it with her students, with the suggestions in the article for more advanced topics.
For resources related to this article and others, check out the Connections for this month’s issue, too. Even if the article does not quite fit with your lesson agenda or grade level, the authors provide ideas for handouts, background information sheets, blank data sheets, rubrics, etc.